Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken with a Mexican Flare

Pre-cooked

There are literally hundreds (or more) recipes for crock pot chicken with cream cheese. This is just one of the variations. I read several recipes and made my own adaptations.

You'll need:

2.5 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 can diced tomatoes with green chili's
8-10 oz. chunky, medium, Pace Picante sauce
taco seasoning
1 yellow onion
2 cans black beans
2 cups cream cheese

the finished product

Sprinkle taco seasoning on both sides of chicken. Place chicken in crock pot. Rinse and drain both cans of black beans, pour on top of chicken. Pour diced tomatoes and Pace on top of the black beans. Dice up onion, mix into the bean/tomato mixture. Cook on low for 4.5 hours. Then add the cream cheese. Allow to cook an hour or two longer. Serve with rice and or tortilla's.

We found the mixture was a bit too runny to use the end result as burrito filling. We ate ours with Spanish rice and flour tortilla's and had extra salsa and shredded cheddar cheese for toppings for those who desired it. It was delicious! I will be making this again, no question.

If you really prefer mild flavors I'd recommend not using the medium Pace and either using their mild sauce or another can of diced tomatoes. I've seen this basic recipe where people added corn (not my cup of tea, I don't want any Tex in my Mex) and olives. Feel free to be creative and add whatever you think would blend well.

Cake Batter Rice Krispie Treats

When I first found Pinterest I went a little nuts finding all these "cake batter" recipes. Truffles, fudge, rice krispie treats. I had the best intentions of making all of them. Yeah. Anyway, I finally made the rice krispie treats. I mostly followed the recipe here.

You'll need:

10 oz. marshmallows
3 Tbs. butter
6 cups Rice Krispie cereal
2/3 cup yellow cake batter (just the dry mix)
1/4 cup (or so) sprinkles (your choice)

Melt the butter and marshmallows over low heat. Once melted, slowly mix in the dry cake batter powder. Then mix in the rice krispie cereal. Sprinkle on about half the sprinkles, mix, then add the rest and mix.

Put into a 13x9 pan that's been lightly sprayed with cooking spray. Allow to cool off before eating. Enjoy!

USB Drives

Tell me we aren't the only family who never has a USB drive. It doesn't matter how many I've purchased, it seems every year when my kid needs one for any subject I have to buy another. How is this possible? Where do they go?

 In my search tonight I found the plug in alarm I had for my car... my car that I haven't had for 8 years. How is it possible I can find that, on which there is one, of which I have zero need for and not a freakin' USB drive?!

 Several drawer and desk digs later I finally did find one. Just one. One of however many I've purchased since my kid has needed them for school. He needs one for tomorrow you see, for pre-engineering. I think this particular USB thumb drive was from his 7th grade engineering class, so hey... but what about all the others? I started having to buy these things when he was in 5th grade. We're up to 9th now.

 Kid did give me some warning. He sent me a text today while I was at Target. So I looked for one. Guess what? Target had several brands, GB and colors of USB drives. However, every.single.one had either red or blue. No red or blue at kid's school. Those be gang colors, yo. No bueno. So yeah... thankfully the USB that allowed itself to be found tonight is all black. *whew*

Favorite words

Words are powerful. I've known that I very much disliked certain words for decades now. It's only been more recently that I realized that I have at least as many words that I just adore. Do you have any favorite words? Care to share them with me in the comments? Is it strange to love a word? Oh well, it really doesn't matter if it is. My favorites:

imagine. This is something I never used to do with regards to my own life. It was reserved for reading books or watching movies/TV.
Definition: to think, believe, or fancy

hope. This is something I lived without for many years. I never want to feel that way again.
Definition: the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best

love. Something I am learning more about every day. Realizing that we are here to love each other and that is a big enough 'life purpose'.
Definition: a profoundly tender, passionate affection;a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection for a person

grace. A group of amazing people have recently shown me what this really is. I will be forever grateful. One of my favorite words by far!
Definition: unmerited favor or goodwill

believe. Something I didn't allow myself to do for a long time... still learning to believe in myself as much as I believe in others.
Definition: to have confidence or faith in the truth of (a positive assertion, story, etc.

serendipity. This makes the list because I want so badly to live this way. I want to believe that life is like this in my head, not just my heart.

Definition: an aptitude for making desirable discoveries by accident. good fortune; luck

serenity. I strive to be and feel this way. Always. Probably not good, normal or healthy to always feel this way... but perhaps something to aim for when more harsh feelings creep in.

Definition: the state or quality of being serene, calm, or tranquil

dream. Something else I didn't allow myself to realize. I actually have dreams of my own. Things I want to do. It's time to start going for it!

Definition: a vision voluntarily indulged in while awake

Tales of cat litter. This is what my life has come to.

The last few months I haven't been able to find a store that carries the exact type of cat litter I prefer to buy. That is, Fresh Step Fragrance and Dye FREE. I prefer this because 1) it's generally cheap (as compared to Cat Attract) 2) I'm allergic to most fragrances (this is the biggest reason. Well, this & that it's cheap.) and 3) it just sounds like it's somehow better for my cat even though I'm really doing it for me.

So I've been forced to purchase whatever Fresh Step type the store has in stock. Do not let their lack of "Scented" on the box fool you. They are all scented. If it doesn't specifically say "Fragrance and Dye FREE" it's scented. Big time. It smells like really awful cheap perfume. You may be saying, "But isn't that better than the scent of cat urine and feces?" to which I would reply, "Only if you're not allergic to the fragrance of really awful, cheap perfume!"

It had gotten pretty bad. I could smell everywhere my cat had stepped. It smelled like horrid cheap perfume thanks to Fresh Step. And it burned my nose. And it made my eyes water and itch. And it made it harder for me to breathe. Basically the time came where I could not stand it any more and the following trip to the store I attempted to find any cat litter that stated it was fragrance free or unscented. Yeah. That crazy cat lady reading the labels on all the cat litter in Target that afternoon was me. There weren't any that I saw, by the way. Not all said they were scented, but none said they weren't and as is my experience that means they all were. Now lest you think I am shopping at some tiny mom & pop store that carries like one brand of cat litter. No. Target is generally my shop of choice. Super Target, baby! It is also worth noting that I looked many other places for Fresh Step Fragrance and Dye FREE cat litter as well during this period. No go. There is always Dr. Elsey's Cat Attract which is good stuff. I mean, it really is. If your cat has issues with not using the litter box, try it. But goodness it is pricey! Yes, the included coupons in every bag helps, but not enough for this single mom to buy it on a regular basis even to save herself from allergy issues.

Which leaves the option of that stuff that looks like wheat berries. What is the deal with that? I doubt my cat would tolerate it plus I guessed it was most likely scented. Then there is the option of the pine or cedar type stuff. We used to have pet rats (Yes. Rats. As pets. This was pre-cat, of course.) and yeah. I'm also allergic to many types of trees and therefore those also exacerbate my allergies. Good times all around. So I ended up buying what I thought had a chance of being unscented/fragrance free. It's from Arm & Hammer. They call it "Essentials" and it's made of biodegradable corn fibers. Ok, that's pretty cool right? Totally eco-friendly cat litter. Because of this I thought it might actually be fragrance free. You know, in the name of naturalness, etc., etc., blah, blah. Yeah, it's not. It doesn't smell like cheap perfume though which is a huge, huge plus. It smells like that sweet almost fruity type scent you get a whiff of when you walk into a Bath & Body Work's store. Dare I say that it's actually kind of pleasant. This is what I'm saying now. I only now put it into the cat box. We'll see what I say in a few days if or when I can smell it on every chair, every blanket and every inch of my bed.

This is not the look of a happy Skye

Nothing else will matter however if my cat decides she doesn't like to crap on corn fibers and decides to instead take to the carpet in our new house. Arm & Hammer and I are going to have a serious falling out if this occurs. I am already sightly apprehensive since Skye generally leaves her mark in her box as soon as I clean it. It's already been an hour and nothing. Eeeek.

.... to be continued... or not... hopefully not.....

R.I.P my beloved Chi. You served me well.

The flat iron pictured above was one I saved for and bought, new (allegedly), off eBay. I bought it when my son was in Kindergarten so that was... 8 years ago. I've probably used it daily for at least 6.5 years. I've dropped it many times. Others have dropped it many times. So it's been knocked around more than its fair share. I finally knocked it on the ground one too many times as you can see. To say I was upset would be an understatement. Chi's are not cheap and as far as I know, they do not grow on trees. At least not in California.

So, what to do, what to do? It wasn't like I could just up and order a new one. They're like $150.00 retail most places. Someone was looking out for me knowing I would keep using my old Chi, exposed wires and all (What?! I'd push the ceramic plate back on so they weren't exposed while in use!). I got an e-mail from Ulta with a coupon code for $20 off any purchase - including CHI products! That was a first!

Back when I bought my first Chi it was available in one size and one color only. Since then I've seen hot pink Chi's, zebra and leopard print Chi's... yeah. I don't like them. They aren't me. They aren't for me. It just so happens that Ulta has their own version of the Ultra Chi. As of this post it's no longer on their web site but it is the one I bought. It is glittery and blue (cobalt!) and gorgeous. And this... this was perfection. It also just so happened that that flat iron was on sale for $99. Uh, yeah! I bought it. Coupon code made it less than $80 shipped. Woot!

I am hoping this new pretty Chi will last as long as my previous one did... but from what I've read I probably shouldn't get my hopes up. :| I can tell the new Ultra Chi is not quite as heavy duty as the old one. But the new one does have the ceramic plates on a little swivel type thing which I'm excited to try out tomorrow. We shall see!

Pet Peeves... the first of many such posts

I hate that they're called "pet" peeves for one. I like my pet. If I didn't, I would find her a new home. These peeves, I don't like.

People who stop and sit there and don't attempt to make a right hand turn until the light turns green. Of course once the light turns green there are pedestrians which have the right away that we actually do have to wait for. But what's the deal? Why do so many people seem to believe they cannot turn right until the light is green? Right on a red is ok so long as it is safe. :P


photo stolen from http://shannonmcm.com/?p=3290

It's Friday peeps!

Exhasuted. Worn out. Can't do any more. This is me tonight. The last 2 weeks have been too long and filled with too much. So relieved that tonight is Friday night and that I don't have to work all weekend! Woop!

This is my weekend theme song

Be thankful life isn't fair

I think he was around 5 years old the first time my son said, "It isn't fair!" That day and any day since I have told him that we should thank God every day that life isn't fair.

When he was much younger I told him he should be thankful life isn't fair because tonight some child doesn't have a bed to sleep in. Some child has no toys to play with. Some child didn't have a good dinner like he did. I wanted him to really understand that "fair" means we all have the same things, the same life and that there are plenty of people out there much worse off than he could even imagine.

As he got older I got more harsh about it I guess you could say. And believe me, he rarely ever insinuated that life wasn't fair because he knew what was coming from me. I told him, "Today someone's mom died. Today someone no longer has a mom that they get to see or talk to or hug." I said that to him more than once. He remembers it well as do I. Perhaps it's needless to say that my son hasn't uttered the words, "It isn't fair!" in so long I can't even remember the last instance.

But you see, today someone's mom did die and I happen to know that "someone".

My friend N lost her mother today. She asked for prayers for her dad but I know she can use her share as well. My friend N is a very strong woman. Stronger than she thinks. She has a wicked sense of humor and has brightened my day on more occasions than I could possibly count. She gives and gives and somehow seems to have endless energy. Of course she has her own problems that she doesn't shy from talking about. I think that is a huge reason why I believe she is so strong. The weak hold back. The weak are afraid to let people know they are real. They are human. They have problems. They need help. N is real and she is amazing.

My heart goes out to N, her dad, her children and family tonight. I know they can use all the thoughts and prayers they can get. I wish them peace and comfort, today and always. I wish her extra strength to help her dad get through this and I wish her someone close to her who can help her get through it as well.

Thank you N for being you. I know you will scoff at this, but you really do inspire people to do more and be more.

Headphone replacement

Finally picked up a new set of headphones with mic to replace the ones the cat did in the other day. Found these at Target for $16.99 and I luff them! <3 They seem to be louder than the ones from Apple which came with my iPhone so it's easier to hear with them (yay) and they are much more comfy. Plus they're $14 less than Apple's. It's kind of a win/win ~ even so I am not thanking my cat just yet for eating my last headset.

It's not my year for headphones, apparently.

So about a week ago I woke up in the morning to find the headphones for my iPhone on the floor of my bedroom. Sans glasses I thought the cat had found a string to play with. With glasses I was pissed!

I know I should have been happy that the cat didn’t end up doing damage to herself as I’d be out a lot more than $30+ tax… however, I wasn't feeling super charitable at that moment. Good news is my co-worker said she got a pair for $15 at Radio Shack so I'm going to hit them up and see what they've got.



But it gets better!

When I got my 160GB iPod Classic a couple years back for Christmas I quickly realized that the headphone ear buds were big to the point of hurting my ears after 10 minutes of use. Less than a week later I ordered a smaller set from Apple.com which proved to be pretty darn awesome for me. One day ago I pulled my iPod and headphones out of my purse and um. This can't be good....



I think the moral of the story is, when it comes to headphones or headset's for Apple products go cheap because apparently they are the one thing I'm going to go through quickly! That or, don't have a pet cat and get a case to carry your iPod headphones in for protection.

Grammys commentary

My random thoughts as I watched the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards tonight. For those fortunate enough (ha and a ha) they saw me Tweet my snark live via Twitter. I had been in an especially bad mood all day for no apparent reason and I admit that I did kind of take it out on the Grammys and those who were there.

Beyonce is fierce but I'm not really getting why she needed all those G.I. Joe's up there with her.

Also, Beyonce needs a better wig ~ one that doesn't get all staticy and stick to her face. Not like she can't afford it.

Dear Nicole Kidman, For gawd's sake PLEASE leave your face alone. You're freaking scaring me. Those lips! *shudder*

Was it just me or did it look like P!NK was peeing on the audience?

Ok, why does Snora Jones get to present with a Beatle?! Lucky bish!

WTF Jamie Foxx?

Who is the chick ruining Bon Jovi's performance and whose idea was she?

I have tried to like Dave Matthews Band and I just can't.

Yes, because when I think music / Grammys I think Adam Sandler. NOT!

Honestly, I would just as soon choose to listen to a toddler whine as listen to Dave Matthews Band. Is it just me?

OMG. You mean Ricky Martin is alive? I had no idea.... *sarcasm*

Holy boobies Beyonce! Looks like her people fixed her weave, too. Good! Girl has it, that's for sure.

OMG! Oh look! It's Elivs! What? Oh, never mind.... it's Quentin Tarantino.... and he's trying to not be white....

No offense to John Legend, but why isn't Rob Thomas presenting with Carlos Santana?

Album of the year goes to Taylor Swift. Really? Yeah, Taylor, we were all just as shocked as you were. WTH Grammys?!

Yeah, I had no snark for the Michael Jackson tribute. I enjoyed that except for the whole 3-D thing that made my headache worse (I wasn't wearing 3-D glasses). MJ's kids are adorable and sweet and I'll never have an unkind word for them. <3

I just don't get it

What is wrong with people... in general, I guess?

I go back to a site I used to be very active on and am accused of fraud (pretty much) within seconds. Not to my face, mind you, but hello? Like I'd go back to a site I have 100% positive feedback on only to ruin it? (no, not talking about eBay) Why do people think they're such an expert on things? Are they that self absorbed? Please. Just because something looks a little off to you in a photo doesn't mean it's a fake. It can mean the lighting in my place isn't great. It can mean my camera is only 4.2 MP and is 2 years old... it can mean the angle at which I took the photo isn't one you're accustomed too... it can mean many things... but mostly it means you're got real issues that you felt the need to make a big post about it like you're so smart. You were wrong and it's not even worth my telling you that. Grow up, get over it. You obviously don't know your product as well as you think you do.

Blah.

Yeah, not in a good frame of mind tonight.

I was quickly reminded why I left site mentioned above in the first place. It's a sign. I was right to move the heck on.

I love this

What possess people to think having orange colored skin means they're more attractive? I don't get it. Like "Orange is the new tan"? Check it out!

I seriously have the sweetest co-worker ever

She is such a doll. She gave me these after I told her my 10th anniversary was coming up (on the 18th):

she also gave me a print out of Dermot Mulroney with him saying "Have a great day!"

New photos of moi. Thrilling, I know. Try to contain yourself.

More flowers

I've only ever had this many flowers once before and that was when I had the kid!

My mom gave me some yellow mums for Mother's Day. Awwww....

Mother's Day Goodies

My sister-in-law gave me the most amazing gifts for Mother's Day. A lovely candle/glass plate set and a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

I'm taking a blog break.

dunno for how long but I think it's for the best.

Why is getting ready for a vacation so exhausting?

We're going on vacation. We're leaving Wednesday and driving down to L.A. While down there we'll be hitting three major theme parks: Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm and Universal Studios. We'll be driving home on Sunday the 9th. And we're going with my in laws.

So today I've started to really get ready to pack. That entailed going to Target and the grocery store. It also entailed doing 7 loads of laundry in addition to making dinner (pancakes and sausage) and cleaning up after that.

Next I need to tackle the bathroom which is not clean. Tomorrow I plan to dust, vacuum and start putting things into our duffel bags to take with us. By the time we leave on Wednesday I'm going to need a vacation!